Improvement in boot-cleaners



J. A. WOR LEY.

BOOT-CLEANER. No. 173,707. Patented re-b. 15,.1a7e".

. E E F:

' N. PETERS, PHOTO-UTHOGRAPHER, WASHINGTON. D. C.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE JOHN A. WORLEY, OF CLEVELAND,- OHIO.

IMPROVEMENT IN BOOT-CLEANERS.

Specification formng part of Letters Patent No; 173,707, dated February 15, 1876; application filed r November 5, 1875.

To all whom it may concern Cleveland, Ohio, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Boot and Shoe Brush and Scraper, of which thefollowingis aspecification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

The invention relates to an improvement in combined boot and shoe brush and scraper, as hereinafter more particularly detailed.

The object of the invention is to provide a convenient device for cleaning boots and shoes.

Figure 1 is a central longitudinal section of adevice embodying the elements of the invention 5 Fig. 2, a bottom-plan view of the bars. Fig. 3 is a topplan-view of the device.

A. in the accompanying drawings is the shell or case, provided on each side with the flange c, for securing the casein position. At each end of the case is provided the recess B, the horizontal edge of which serves as a scraper. The lower inner surface of the case is furnishedwith the supporting-rim d, while in the center is placed the stud d, which, with the rim, serves to sustain the brushframe D, the vertical sides of the case A being properly conformed to receive the same. The bottom of the framevD consists of a grate, E, the bars E of which are properly separated, so as to permit the descent of the dirt between them, and are recessed from end to end with the 'channel 0, having at its base the slot f, this to receive the backing of the brush F, which is securedin the channels by set-screws h.

I By this arrangement the bristles are allowed free play, and a clear passage for the dirt to fall between the brushes is provided, thus preventing the device becoming clogged, and at same time permitting the ready removal of any brush. At or near each corner of the lower surface of the grate E is provided a lug, '5, the lower extremity of which rests upon the the case.

bottom of the case A, between the rim 1) and vertical sides thereof, when the frame D is in place, the edge of the grate being generally conformed to the interior of the front part of secured the compartments H, having recesses to receive the brushes 1, the compartments andbrushes both curving at their front ends toward each other, for the purpose of adaptation to the usual conformation of a boot or shoe. The brpshes I are secured in place by screws orother suitable movable attachments,

while the compartments have flanges m, which extend over the upper edges of the vertical sides of the case A.

' Operation: The bootor shoe is cleaned by simply passing it over the brush and scraper at end of the case. Thus, in forcing the foot forward, the sole is brought in contact. with the brushes F and the front scraper, while the edges of the boot are cleaned by the side brushes 1. A contrary movement efl'ects a corresponding contact, except that the sole bears upon the rear scraper instead of the front.

' What Iclaim as my invention, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is

The side brushes I, shaped asv shown, in combination with the brushes F, secured in the grate E, having the bars E recessed and slotted, as set forth, all arranged in the case A, having ascraper at each end, substantially as specified.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing im provements in boot and shoe brush and scraper, as above described, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 28th day of October, 1875.

JOHN A. WORLEY. [L.s.]

Witnesses:

FRED. H. BIERMANN, GEO. MENGER.

Upon each side of the grate E are 

